Safety On The Internet

Years ago when I first went online, I learned something very valuable. The Internet is a beautiful place with a wealth of knowledge and information on every possible thing. You can look up and find virtually anything you want to know about. Old friends, family, the Roman Empire, Sharks, Outer Space, needlepoint and even love. Most of the people you meet online are very nice, honest and upfront. However, there are also perverts, psychos and some really sick individuals out there hunting for their next victim. Most people tend to think that everyone else is just like them and will treat them decent that's not always the case. Some people don't care about wrecking your home, using you or destroying your life. They have no problem stalking you or even worse, taking your life. We've all most likely have seen news stories of young girls lured to a perverts home only to be killed, a young mother killed by someone she met online, the list goes on.

Meeting people in person from the Internet is risky, to say the least. There is no first impression, sizing up a person's character or personal knowledge of their background. You can't even be sure that the person you are talking online with is actually whom you are going to meet. Generally you don't meet their family or friends, if they really are their family and friends. You're taking a huge chance. You may be asking yourself if it's worth it. It can be, there are some wonderful people out there, you just have to be careful who you meet and how. Here are some tips for helping you along:

Try to set up the meeting during the day at a public, well-populated area. The more people around the better. It's hard for someone to pull you into their car if you're in a crowded parking lot screaming your head off. Also if the area is crowded the driver has to not only watch you but try to watch traffic.

Never go with them in their car. Even just sitting in a parked car is not a good idea. Meet at a fast food place and go inside, at least there are workers and other customers around if you need them.

Never give them your last name, address or phone number. The last thing you want is for some psycho to have your address. Keep your location general, such as I live an hour or so from St. Louis. If your calling your online friend, contact your phone company to find out how to block your name and number from showing up on their caller id.

Bring a friend with you. Preferably a big brother type person is great but even another girl as long as she can scream loud.

When you leave, drive around a little before heading home. Take a scenic tour of your town, run a few errands or just do some window shopping. Take your time and make sure no one is following you.

Tell a friend or relative where you are going, who you are meeting and any other information you have about them. Write it all down along with where your meeting them and how long you expect to be gone.

If your looking for Ms./Mr. Right online, here's some more help:

Never use your full name for your Id (johndoe), avoid tacky Id's (wetandwild) and avoid people who want to cyber.

Beware of people who start talking right away about marriage, having children, needing money or meeting.

Watch for inconsistencies when they are talking.

Ask the hard questions: Are they married? Do they have kids? Have they been to jail? Do they drink or do drugs? They may lie about it but you may catch them in the lie.

Beware of people who become angry if you won't give them your phone number or address or if they get angry because you're asking questions.

I met my husband online. I asked him a lot of questions before we agreed to meet. I even had a friend who was a police officer run his name through the system to see if he was an ex-con, had warrants out or anything like that. Whenever I met anyone from online I took my youngest brother with me who is over 6ft. and weighed around 350Lbs. It was always better to be safe then sorry.

**AT PEACE WITHIN**

~~STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS~~